Acner.org: Acne treatment

How to Treat Body Acne With Sensitive Skin

How to Treat Body Acne With Sensitive Skin

Overview

If you get pimples on your back, shoulders, trunk or anywhere else on your body, you're probably aching to make them go away. Treating body acne can be difficult because the affected areas are harder to reach, and it's made even more difficult by skin sensitivity. Following a program of good hygiene and diet can make a big difference in your acne, and gentle treatments can make your pimples much less common.

Prevention

Step 1

Wash your hair daily if it's oily. The University of Maryland Medical Center, UMMC, recommends combing or pulling hair up to keep it off your skin, though you should also avoid tight headbands.

Step 2

Avoid touching problem areas with your hands and fingers. "Try not to squeeze, scratch, pick or rub" your existing pimples, which, the UMMC advises, can lead to skin infections and even scarring.

Step 3

Step 4

Wash your clothes after wearing them. Shower and change into clean clothes after exercising or sweating.

Treatment

Step 1

Wash your skin twice daily with a mild cleanser. Do not scrub or use a harsh cloth, as this can make acne worse. Acne.org recommends washing for no longer than 10 seconds.

Step 2

Pat your skin dry with the towel. Do not rub.

Step 3

Apply a small amount of benzoyl peroxide lotion directly to your skin. The Mayo Clinic recommends using just enough to cover the problem areas. Acne.org adds that you should not rub it in, just "allow your fingers to glide over your skin."

Step 4

Let your skin dry for five to 15 minutes, then apply moisturizer over the benzoyl peroxide lotion. After a few minutes, if your skin still feels dry, add more moisturizer.

Step 5

Repeat this process daily, observing its effects. If your skin becomes very sensitive or dry, stop using the benzoyl peroxide or use it once a day. If your acne doesn't improve in two months, the Mayo Clinic recommends talking to a doctor or dermatologist.